King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:15 Mean?

Psalms 69:15 in the King James Version says “Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.”

Psalms 69:15 · KJV

Context

13

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

14

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15

Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

17

And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. hear: Heb. make haste to hear me

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. This verse continues intense drowning imagery with three distinct metaphors for mortal danger. "Waterflood" (שִׁבֹּלֶת מַיִם/shibolet mayim) literally means rushing stream or torrent—unstoppable force that sweeps away everything in its path. "Overflow" (תִשְׁטְפֵנִי/tishtfeni) depicts being overwhelmed, submerged, carried away by flood's power.

"Neither let the deep swallow me up" (מְצוּלָה/metzulah) refers to ocean depths or abyss—the chaotic, primordial waters symbolizing death and chaos in ancient Near Eastern thought (Genesis 1:2, 7:11). To be swallowed by the deep meant complete, irreversible destruction. "The pit" (בְּאֵר/be'er), normally a well or cistern, here represents Sheol or the grave—the place of death.

"Shut her mouth upon me" personifies the pit as a monster devouring prey. Once its mouth closes, escape is impossible. This vivid imagery captures the finality and horror of death. It anticipates Christ who descended into death's pit but could not be held (Acts 2:24, 31).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern mythology frequently personified death and the underworld as monsters with gaping mouths devouring humanity (Isaiah 5:14, Habakkuk 2:5). Canaanite texts described Mot (Death) as a deity with insatiable appetite. While Israel's monotheism rejected pagan deities, biblical poetry retained vivid imagery of death as an active, hostile power seeking to devour life.

Wells and cisterns, while necessary for survival in arid climate, posed real dangers. People fell into cisterns and died (Genesis 37:20-24, Jeremiah 38:6).

For Christian theology, this verse became central to understanding Christ's descent into death and resurrection victory. Patristic writings often depicted Christ entering death's domain, breaking its power from within, and liberating captives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What feels like an unstoppable "waterflood" threatening to overwhelm your life currently?
  2. How does the imagery of death as an active, hungry power shape your understanding of spiritual warfare?
  3. In what ways does Christ's victory over death—entering the pit and emerging triumphant—provide confidence facing mortality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אַל1 of 12
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׁטְפֵ֤נִי׀2 of 12

“overflow”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

שִׁבֹּ֣לֶת3 of 12
H7641

a stream (as flowing); also an ear of grain (as growing out); by analogy, a branch

מַ֭יִם4 of 12

“Let not the waterflood”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְאַל5 of 12
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּבְלָעֵ֣נִי6 of 12

“swallow me up”

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

מְצוּלָ֑ה7 of 12

“me neither let the deep”

H4688

a deep place (of water or mud)

וְאַל8 of 12
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֶּאְטַר9 of 12

“shut”

H332

to close up

עָלַ֖י10 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּאֵ֣ר11 of 12

“and let not the pit”

H875

a pit; especially a well

פִּֽיהָ׃12 of 12

“her mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 69:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 69:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 12:15-16Isaiah 43:1-2Psalms 16:10Acts 2:24Jonah 2:2-7Psalms 124:4-5

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